The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Campbell University graduated 42 master of physician assistant practice students on Saturday, December 12, 2015. This was the third class of physician assistants to graduate from Campbell’s PA program.
The graduates and their families and friends were addressed by commencement speaker Reginald Carter, PhD, PA. Carter began his career at Duke University as a cardiovascular physiologist and was responsible for once course within the physician assistant program. This lead to an interest in the program and he recognized the value of placing PA graduates in underserved communities to provide quality health care. Carter earned his bachelor of science and doctor of philosophy degrees from Wake Forest University. He earned his physician assistant certificate through post-graduate clinical coursework in 1978.
“As you approach your professional life, be aware of your own cultural values and accept cultural difference in others,” shared Carter. “In other words, learn to be patient with patients as well as other health professionals. These cultural differences can impact how patients view health care and healthcare providers. Remember, there is no greater opportunity, responsibility, or obligation to serve humanity than to be a health care professional.”
Along with awarding diplomas and hoods, the PA program recognized outstanding students during a special awards portion of the ceremony.
Physician Assistant Service Award: Alexa Carda
This award is in honor of one’s outstanding service. It is an esteemed honor given to one student, chosen by faculty based on academic standing, professionalism, and outstanding dedication to service of classmates, the program, and the community.
Excellence in Professionalism Award: Braxton Kinsey
This award is awarded to a student each year who exemplifies professionalism and personified Campbell University’s guiding principles of faith, learning, and service. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional professionalism in both the didactic and clinical phases of the program. The recipient has shown a commitment to providing outstanding patient care with respect, compassion, and excellence. The recipient exemplifies professionalism in all interactions with students, faculty, and fellow health care professionals.
Outstanding Clinical Performance Award: Andy Bibey
This award is presented to the physician assistant student who has consistently performed at a high level on clinical rotations with outstanding preceptor evaluations.
Jerry M. Wallace Legacy Award: Christine Ciszek
This award is presented to a physician assistant student who has shown exceptional ability to serve as a compassionate health care provider. In the manner characteristic of Dr. Jerry M. Wallace (former Campbell University President), the recipient exemplifies compassion, warmth, humility, honor, loyalty, and abides by the Campbell University creed of “Faith, Learning, and Service”.